Macinazione della barite con il mulino Raymond e relative applicazioni

Macinazione della barite con il mulino Raymond e relative applicazioni

Feasibility Study on Grinding Barite with Mulino Raymond and Applications of Barite Powder

1. Project Overview

Barite (also known as natural barium sulfate) is an important non‑metallic mineral raw material with the chemical formula BaSO₄. It possesses excellent properties including high density (4.2–4.5 g/cm³), strong chemical inertness, good stability, acid and alkali resistance, and the ability to absorb X‑rays and gamma rays. Barite has a wide range of applications in petroleum drilling, chemicals, coatings, plastics, rubber, papermaking, pharmaceuticals, and many other fields, with over 2,000 recorded uses.

The global barite market has been growing steadily. In 2024, the global barite market sales reached approximately US$2.51 billion, and it is projected to reach US$3.69 billion by 2033. Other reports indicate that the global barite powder market was about US$1.538 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$2.098 billion by 2031. The Chinese market is also maintaining rapid growth, offering broad prospects.

Barite has a Mohs hardness of 3–3.5, making it relatively easy to grind and highly suitable for processing with Raymond mills. Using Raymond mills to grind barite is an effective way to convert barite resources into high‑value‑added industrial raw materials.


2. Raw Material Analysis

2.1 Basic Properties of Barite

PropertyParametro
Main componentBaSO₄ (barium sulfate)
Mohs hardness3–3.5
Densità4.2–4.5 g/cm³
ColourWhite, greyish white, light yellow, etc.
Chemical propertiesStrong inertness, good stability, acid/alkali resistant
Special propertyAbsorbs X‑rays and gamma rays

2.2 Raw Material Requirements

Basic requirements for barite powder processing:

  • BaSO₄ content: ≥90% (drilling grade requires ≥95%)
  • Densità: ≥4.1 g/cm³ (drilling grade requires density >4.2)
  • Moisture content: <6% (before grinding)
  • Dimensione del mangime: ≤25–30 mm

2.3 Raw Material Sources

  1. Run‑of‑mine barite ore: mined, crushed, and beneficiated
  2. Tailings from barite processing plants: low‑grade tailings from beneficiation
  3. Purchased beneficiated barite: directly sourced pre‑crushed and washed barite (particle size <30 mm)

3. Working Principle of Mulino Raymond and Its Suitability

3.1 Working Principle

The Raymond mill (pendulum roller mill) mainly consists of the mainframe, hopper, classifier, cyclone collector, ductwork, pulse bag filter, and electrical control system. The process is as follows:

Material is lifted by a bucket elevator to the hopper, then uniformly and quantitatively fed by an electromagnetic vibrating feeder into the grinding chamber. Inside the mainframe, the roller assembly suspended on the plum blossom frame rotates around the central shaft. Under centrifugal force, the rollers swing outward and press tightly against the grinding ring. A plough blade scoops up the material and feeds it between the rollers and the ring, where it is crushed by rolling action. The ground powder is carried upward by air flow from the blower to the classifier for separation. Fines meeting the fineness requirement are carried into the cyclone collector for collection, while oversize particles are returned to the mill for re‑grinding.

3.2 Suitability for Barite

Barite fully meets the operating conditions of Raymond mills:

ConditionBarite PropertyVerdict
Mohs hardness ≤9.33–3.5✅ Fully suitable
Moisture <8% (can be dried to <6%)Dried to <6%✅ Fully suitable
Non‑flammable and non‑explosiveInert mineral✅ Fully suitable
Feed size ≤30 mmCan be crushed to ≤30 mm✅ Fully suitable

4. Production Process Flow

4.1 Complete Production Process

Depending on product fineness, barite grinding can be divided into coarse powder production e ultra‑fine powder production.

Barite run‑of‑mine
       ↓
Hand sorting / optical sorting (removal of impurities)
       ↓
Jaw crusher (primary crushing to 50–100 mm)
       ↓
Cone / impact crusher (secondary crushing to ≤20–25 mm)
       ↓
Vibrating screen (screening; oversize returned to crusher)
       ↓
Drying (moisture reduced to <6%)
       ↓
Storage hopper
       ↓
Electromagnetic vibrating feeder (uniform feeding)
       ↓
Raymond mill (grinding)
       ↓
Turbo classifier (classification)
       ↓
Qualified fine powder → Cyclone collector → Packaging
Oversize particles → Return to mill for re‑grinding
       ↓
Pulse bag filter (collection efficiency ≥99%)

4.2 Description of Each Step

(1) Pre‑treatment / Beneficiation

Select barite ore with BaSO₄ content ≥90% and density ≥4.1 g/cm³, and remove impurities by hand sorting or optical sorting. If the raw ore moisture exceeds 5%, it must first be dried to <1% moisture, and an iron remover should be used to remove metallic iron impurities to improve product whiteness.

(2) Crushing

Two‑stage crushing: “primary + secondary”. A jaw crusher reduces large lumps to 50–100 mm, then a cone crusher or impact crusher further reduces the material to ≤20–25 mm. After crushing, the material is screened through a vibrating screen (20 mm mesh). The undersize goes to grinding, and the oversize is returned for re‑crushing. A bag filter is installed in the crushing area to control dust emissions.

(3) Drying

If the incoming material has high moisture (e.g., about 10%), hot air drying is required to reduce moisture to below 6% before grinding. The material is conveyed through a drying tunnel and then stored.

(4) Grinding

The dried material is fed into the mill hopper by a loader, then quantitatively fed by an electromagnetic vibrating feeder into the grinding chamber. The material is crushed by the rollers, and the air flow from the blower carries the fine powder to the classifier. Qualified powder enters the collection system, while coarse particles are returned for regrinding.

(5) Classification and Collection

After grinding, the material is classified by a high‑efficiency air classifier (rotor type) with classification efficiency ≥90%. Qualified fines are carried by air into the dust collector for separation, while coarse particles are returned to the mill.

(6) Purification and Post‑treatment (optional)

To improve whiteness, acid washing and bleaching can be performed. Use 1.5–2.0 mol/L citric acid solution at 80–95°C with stirring for 2–4 hours to remove iron, manganese, and other impurities. The slurry is then separated by filter press, washed with hot water to pH 6–7, and dried to moisture <0.5%. For enhanced compatibility with organic polymers, surface modification may also be applied.

(7) Packaging and Storage

The finished powder is weighed and packaged by an automatic packing machine, and stored in a dry, ventilated finished‑product warehouse to prevent moisture absorption. Closed vehicles should be used for transport to avoid contamination.

4.3 System Characteristics

The Raymond mill grinding line has a compact three‑dimensional structure, small footprint, and strong system integration. From raw material preparation to grinding to final packaging, it forms an independent production system. The finished powder is uniform in fineness, with a screening pass rate of 99%. The entire grinding system is enclosed, operates under negative pressure, and is equipped with a pulse bag filter to ensure dust emissions meet standards.


5. Equipment Selection

5.1 Main Equipment Configuration

No.EquipmentSpecification / ModelFunzione
1Frantoio a mascellePE seriesPrimary crushing to 50–100 mm
2Cone / impact crusherSelected based on capacitySecondary crushing to ≤20–25 mm
3Vaglio vibrante20 mm meshScreening / classification
4Drying equipmentRotary dryer / fluidised bedReduce moisture to <6%
5Bucket elevatorSelected based on capacityMaterial lifting
6Storage hopperSteel structure, with level indicatorMaterial buffering
7Electromagnetic vibrating feederGZ seriesUniform and quantitative feeding
8Mulino RaymondSelected based on capacityGrinding
9Turbo classifierBuilt‑in / externalParticle size classification
10Cyclone collectorSelected based on air volumeGas‑solid separation
11Pulse bag filterSelected based on air volumeDust collection / environmental protection
12High‑pressure blowerSelected based on air volumeAir conveying
13Electrical control systemPLC automatic controlCentralised control

5.2 Raymond Mill Model Selection

Raymond mills are suitable for producing 200–325 mesh powder, with feed size ≤25 mm and capacity 1–30 t/h.

ModelloDimensioni del mangime (mm)Product Fineness (mm)Capacità (t/h)Installed Power (kW)Suitable Scale
HC1000≤300.038–0.181–1285Small
Conventional R‑type≤300.038–0.1820–4092Medium
HC2000≤300.038–0.186–25144Large
HC large type≤300.038–0.1815–45—Large

5.3 Ultra‑fine Grinding Options

For products requiring higher fineness, ultra‑fine Raymond mills or ring roller mills can be selected:

  • Ultra‑fine Raymond mill: fineness up to 500 mesh (25 μm) to 2500 mesh (5 μm), and even down to 3500 mesh (3.55 μm)
  • Mulino a rulli ad anello: suitable for ultra‑fine powder (d97 = 3–10 μm), feed size ≤10 mm, capacity 3–6 t/h
  • Ultra‑fine vertical mill: suitable for high‑fineness powder (d97 ≤10 μm), feed size ≤20 mm, capacity 10–15 t/h

5.4 Process Selection Recommendations

Product TypeFineness RangeAttrezzatura consigliataTypical Application
Coarse powder200–325 meshMulino RaymondPetroleum drilling mud weighting agent
Fine powder325–1250 meshMulino a rulli ad anelloPaint, plastic, rubber fillers
Ultra‑fine powder1250–3500 meshUltra‑fine Raymond millHigh‑grade coatings, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics

6. Product Quality Standards

6.1 Requirements by Application

ApplicazioneFineness RequirementPurity RequirementDensity Requirement
Petroleum drilling200 or 325 mesh pass rate ≥97%BaSO₄ ≥95%>4.2
Paint/plastic filler500–2000 meshBaSO₄ ≥98%—
Rubber filler325–800 meshBaSO₄ ≥98%—
Pharmaceutical/cosmeticHigh‑whiteness ultra‑fine powderHigh purity—

6.2 Quality Control

Establish a quality control system to regularly test product fineness, whiteness, density, purity, and other indicators. The whole production process should be equipped with dust removal and noise reduction facilities. Crushing and grinding sections operate under negative pressure in enclosed conditions to ensure a safe and environmentally friendly workshop.


7. Application Fields of Barite Powder

Barite powder (natural barium sulfate) possesses high density, strong chemical inertness, good stability, acid/alkali resistance, and the ability to absorb harmful rays. It is widely used in the following fields:

7.1 Oil and Natural Gas Drilling (Largest Application)

This is the largest and most core application, accounting for approximately 85%–90% of total barite production. Drilling fluid weighting agents represent about 78% of the global barite market.

Barite is ground into fine powder (typically 200 mesh or 325 mesh, density >4.2) and added to drilling mud. Its high density increases the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling fluid to balance formation pressure, preventing blowouts, while also carrying cuttings, cooling, and lubricating the drill bit.

  • Fineness: 200 mesh, 325 mesh
  • Purity: BaSO₄ content ≥95%

7.2 Chemical Raw Materials (Barium Salt Production)

Barite is an important raw material for extracting barium and producing a series of barium salts such as barium carbonate, barium chloride, barium hydroxide, and barium nitrate. These salts are widely used in:

  • Optical glass manufacturing
  • Ceramic glazes
  • Pigments (e.g., lithopone / zinc barium white)
  • Fireworks (green flames)
  • Insecticides and rodenticides
  • Electronic components (barium titanate for MLCC multilayer ceramic capacitors)
  • Functional glass and magnetic materials

7.3 Paints and Coatings

Barite powder is used as a filler in paints and coatings to increase film thickness, strength, and durability. Specific functions include:

  • Improving hardness, abrasion resistance, stability, e gloss
  • Increasing hiding power e durability
  • Used in protective coatings
  • Used in powder coatings, water‑based paints, and mid‑to‑high‑grade inks
  • Fineness: generally 500 mesh or above

7.4 Plastics Industry

Barite powder serves as a functional filler in plastics:

  • Used as filler for ABS plastic to give a glossy finish while improving strength, stiffness, and abrasion resistance
  • Used in plastic products to increase elasticity, wear resistance, e aging resistance
  • Used in PP (polypropylene) to provide an ABS‑like surface without affecting PP’s original properties, offering high gloss and high surface hardness
  • Reduces shrinkage of plastic products, improves dimensional stability e stiffness, e lowers costs
  • Used in products like gambling chips and mahjong tiles for a glossy appearance
  • Fineness: 500–2000 mesh high‑whiteness powder

7.5 Rubber Industry

Barite powder is widely used as a filler e reinforcing agent in rubber:

  • Improves hardness, acid/alkali resistance, e water resistance of rubber products
  • Good reinforcing effect on both natural and synthetic rubber
  • Improves abrasion resistance e aging resistance
  • When activated and modified, at 30% loading, tensile strength can reach 25 MPa and elongation at break up to 900%
  • Fineness: 325–800 mesh
  • Purity: BaSO₄ ≥98%, CaO <0.36%, free of MgO and lead

7.6 Paper Industry

High‑fineness barite powder is used in papermaking:

  • Come filler e coating filler for white board and coated paper
  • Improves paper whiteness e surface coverage
  • Enhances smoothness

7.7 Radiation Shielding Materials (Medical and Nuclear Industry)

Barite can absorb X‑rays and gamma rays, making it an important radiation shielding material:

  • Used as concrete aggregate to build radiation‑shielding walls in hospital X‑ray rooms, CT rooms, e linear accelerator rooms
  • Used for protective walls in nuclear reactors
  • Used for radiation shielding in nuclear power plants and particle accelerators
  • Used as an X‑ray shielding agent in medical and atomic energy industries
  • Barite concrete offers advantages such as lower construction difficulty, lower cost, and good shielding quality compared to other shielding materials

7.8 Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Used as a contrast agent for gastrointestinal imaging
  • Used in pharmaceutical synthesis
  • High‑purity barite powder can be used as pharmaceutical excipients

7.9 Cosmetics

  • Ultra‑fine barite powder has high whiteness and is mild and non‑irritating, making it suitable for cosmetics
  • Can replace titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in cosmetics
  • Used in cosmetics, ceramics, and enamel

7.10 Other Applications

  • Vehicle brake materials (brake pads)
  • Packaging tapes
  • Ceramics and ceramic glazes
  • Battery manufacturing
  • Pesticides, leather tanning, fireworks
  • Cement industry mineralisers
  • Refined kerosene
  • Food‑contact packaging products

7.11 Summary of Application Fields

Application FieldShare / ImportanceKey Requirements
Petroleum drilling fluid weighting agent~85–90%325 mesh, density >4.2, BaSO₄ ≥95%
Chemicals (barium salt production)SignificantHigh purity
Paint / coating fillerExtensive≥500 mesh, high whiteness
Plastic fillerGrowingHigh fineness, high whiteness
Rubber filler / reinforcing agentImportante325–800 mesh, BaSO₄ ≥98%
Paper fillerImportanteHigh fineness
Radiation shieldingSpecial purposeHigh density
Pharmaceutical / cosmeticEmergingUltra‑fine, high purity

8. Investment and Economic Analysis

8.1 Investment Estimate

Investment for a barite grinding plant varies depending on production scale, equipment selection, factory construction, and environmental requirements.

ScaleTotal Investment (10,000 RMB)Capacity ReferenceScenario applicativo
Small line50–10010,000–20,000 t/yearSmall / medium processing plant
Small‑medium line100–50050,000 t/yearScale production
Large line>1000>100,000 t/yearLarge‑scale powder processing enterprises

Equipment Investment Reference:

Equipment ItemInvestment Range (10,000 RMB)
Core grinding equipment (e.g., LM vertical mill)80–120
Auxiliary equipment (crushers, elevators, feeders, etc.)30–60
Pulse bag filter5–20
Finished product silo and packaging system10–30
Factory building (1000–2000 m²)30–100
Power infrastructure10–40
Installation and commissioning10–15% of equipment cost
Environmental approval and acceptance5–15
Initial working capital30–50

Typical Examples:

  • One barite powder project had a total investment of 2.8 million RMB, of which environmental protection investment was 275,000 RMB.
  • A 250,000 t/year barite powder project has been planned in Tianzhu County, Guizhou.
  • A company in Pingli County plans to invest 40 million RMB to build a barite powder processing project.

8.2 Operating Cost Analysis

Main operating costs include:

  • Electricity: total power ranges from 85 kW to several hundred kW
  • Wear parts replacement: rollers and rings are normal consumables
  • Labour: high automation reduces manpower
  • Raw material cost: purchase cost of barite ore
  • Drying energy: if raw material moisture is high, drying costs must be considered

Raymond mills have relatively low equipment prices (starting from over 100,000 RMB), simple maintenance, and controllable wear‑part replacement costs. High‑quality mills with optimised grinding chamber designs and roller materials can significantly improve wear resistance and reduce the frequency of wear‑part replacement, leading to lower long‑term operating costs.

8.3 Economic Benefits

  • Large market demand: global barite market continues to grow – about US$2.51 billion in 2024
  • High product added value: prices vary significantly with fineness; ultra‑fine powders command higher value
  • Wide application fields: products can serve petroleum, chemicals, building materials, plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals, and more
  • Policy support: barite, as a strategic non‑metallic mineral, benefits from national industrial policy support

9. Environmental Protection and Safety

9.1 Dust Control

The Raymond mill system operates under negative pressure and is equipped with a pulse bag filter. The air‑classification circuit circulates internally between the fan, cyclone, ducting, and fan, so very little dust is emitted. Excess air is collected by the dust collector and purified by the pulse bag filter before discharge.

9.2 Noise Control

The mainframe can be equipped with vibration‑damping devices to reduce noise and vibration. The integral base structure provides robust stability.

9.3 Safety Measures

  • Overload protection and emergency stop devices are installed
  • Electrical systems have grounding protection
  • A quality control system should be established to regularly test product indicators
  • Dust removal and noise reduction facilities are required throughout the production process

10. Risk Analysis and Mitigation

Risk FactorDescrizioneMitigation Measures
Raw material supplyUnstable supply or price fluctuations of barite oreSign long‑term agreements with multiple mines; maintain raw material stockpiles
Market riskPrice fluctuations, especially affected by the oil industryDevelop multi‑grade products (coarse, fine, ultra‑fine) to diversify market risk
Environmental riskDust emissions failing to meet standardsInstall high‑efficiency pulse bag filters to ensure ≥99% collection efficiency
Equipment riskBreakdowns affecting productionChoose reputable brands; maintain spare parts inventory; establish preventive maintenance
Technical riskUnstable product qualityTrain operators; establish a quality control system

11. Conclusions and Recommendations

11.1 Conclusions

  1. Technically feasible: Barite has Mohs hardness 3–3.5, well within the capabilities of Raymond mills. The technology is mature and reliable.
  2. Abundant raw materials: Barite resources are plentiful globally; China is one of the major producing countries.
  3. Diverse products: Products ranging from 200 mesh to 3500 mesh can be produced to meet market demands.
  4. Broad market: The global barite market continues to grow, with projections reaching US$3.69 billion by 2033.
  5. Environmentally compliant: Negative‑pressure operation and pulse dust collection meet environmental requirements.

11.2 Recommendations

  1. Market‑first approach: Conduct thorough market research on local and regional demand for barite powder before investment, to determine target fineness and capacity.
  2. Appropriate equipment selection: Choose the right Raymond mill model based on target capacity and fineness – conventional Raymond mill (200–325 mesh) for drilling grade, and ultra‑fine Raymond or ring roller mills for industrial filler grades.
  3. Prioritise environmental protection: Install high‑efficiency pulse bag filters to ensure full environmental compliance.
  4. Tiered product development: Produce multiple fineness grades to serve different industries, improving market resilience.
  5. Consider surface modification: For high‑value‑added applications in plastics and rubber, consider surface modification of barite powder to enhance compatibility with organic polymers.

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